Monday, February 6, 2012

Monday Moods

This time last week had me in a CRANKY MOOD, but I soon recovered, and here I am with a spring in my step and a smile in my heart. Sorry about that cliche, but happiness tends to provoke that kind of thinking in me. I write better stuff with a bit of gloom hanging over my head.

I just subbed my short story for the YALitChat Charity Anthology, so that's one of the reasons for my joyful feeling. I love it when I've "finished" a project. There will be some buzz about this anthology soon and I'll post what's happening.

I really like short stories because they are such a challenge to write. When they're good they really grab you fast and keep you involved with layered meanings and intriguing characters. They're great for the short read, too. When you don't want to take on a thick novel or biography, the short story is perfect.

Any favorite short stories? I have a few: A Rose for Emily, Lucky Jim and all of the ones in Ray Bradbury's The Illustrated Man. I'd love it if you'd give me more to add to my list for those evenings when I crave something quick, but meaningful to read.

Hope you'll stop by for my Young Adult Teen Tuesday post. I have a wonderful MULTI-CULTURAL book experience in store.

Then of course I hope you didn't miss my angsty stuff about writing and insecurity last Wednesday. Whew! So many posts. I'm in training for the A to Z Blog Challenge.

Consider Her Ways and others by John Wyndham. The main story was written in the late fifties and the anthology published in 1961. I first read it when I was in my early teens in the seventies and I still re-read it. All the stories are thought provoking and,I think, timeless.

I agree with you- it is such a rewarding experience to write a short story. It is so challenging to write them, but I always feel excited and happy when I am done. I enjoy reading short stories- Grimms' Fairytales are among my favorites.

Glad to see Leslie Rose giving a push for Flannery O'Connor, my favorite author. Her stories are very meaningful, written with elegant simplicity, and often somewhat disturbing. She's one of the best in my picks of short story writers.